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Introduction The LH test is a blood test that measures the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) produced by the pituitary gland. In men, LH stimulates the production of testosterone by the testes. In women, LH is one of the hormones involved in the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries. Who is a candidate for the test? Conditions that may call for LH evaluation in women include: amenorrhea, or absence of menstruation delayed puberty infertility, which is the inability to become pregnant irregular menstrual cycles pelvic pain precocious puberty vaginal bleeding without ovulation A man may have an LH test if he has hypogonadism, or underdeveloped testes. How is the test performed? A blood sample is taken from a vein on the forearm or hand. First, the skin over the vein is cleaned with an antiseptic. Next, a strong rubber tube, or tourniquet, is wrapped around the upper arm. This enlarges the veins in the lower arm by restricting blood flow throug...

Introduction This is a blood test that measures the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) produced by the pituitary gland. Who is a candidate for the test? Fertility in men and women, as well as menstruation in women, are regulated by a complex interaction of hormones. The ovaries, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus produce these hormones. Follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH, causes the follicles within the ovaries to mature. FSH levels may be measured if the healthcare provider suspects a problem with: menopause, a time in life when menstruation stops ovarian cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs on the ovary precocious puberty, or puberty that happens at an abnormally young age delayed puberty, or puberty that hasn't occurred by the time it should female infertility, or inability to become pregnant male infertility, or the inability to impregnate a woman anovulatory bleeding, which is abnormal vaginal bleeding not related to a regular menstruat...

Introduction Hypoglycemia is the condition that occurs when blood sugar, or glucose, levels drop below normal. What is going on in the body? Blood sugar levels drop when people don't eat for a long time, or when they have complications of diabetes and other diseases. The blood glucose level is affected by the hormones insulin and glucagon. An imbalance of these hormones can cause blood sugar levels to fall too low. When the blood sugar falls too low, hypoglycemia develops. What are the causes and risks of the condition? Hypoglycemia usually occurs in people with diabetes. When people have diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the insulin made is not effective. Blood sugar rises and builds up in the blood. People with diabetes take insulin or oral medications to keep their blood sugar down. If a person with diabetes takes too much medication, misses meals, or doesn't eat enough food, the person can become hypoglycemic. Rarely, hypog...

 Introduction Traveler's diarrhea refers to diarrheal disease caused by toxins produced by a number of different strains of Escherichia coli and other bacteria. What is going on in the body?   Traveler's diarrhea begins when a person swallows E. coli or other bacteria. This happens through close contact with feces from an infected person or animal. It can also come from ingesting food or water that has been contaminated with the bacteria. There have been numerous outbreaks of E. coli illness linked to unpasteurized contaminated cow's milk or undercooked hamburger meat. The disease can also pass from person to person, especially between children still in diapers. What are the causes and risks of the disease? Traveler's diarrhea is caused by certain bacteria, such as E. coli. Travelers generally come into contact with these bacteria by ingesting contaminated food or water. Travelers to the following countries are at particular risk: Central Americ...

Introduction Chickenpox is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is characterized by a blistery rash. What is going on in the body? Chickenpox is characterized by an itchy rash that looks like very small blisters on a red base. The blisters look like dewdrops on top of a red pimple. Chickenpox is usually acquired in childhood by inhaling the virus from an infected person. It is also acquired by touching the blisters of the chickenpox rash when there is still fluid in them. The disease is usually more severe in adolescents and adults. It can be life-threatening in people with autoimmune disorders, pregnant women, and babies born to mothers who have chickenpox around the time of delivery. A fetus can sometimes acquire VZV in the first 6 months of pregnancy. If this happens, the baby can be born with: scarring of the skin malformed arms or legs problems with the central nervous system eye problems VZV remains in the body forever. After reco...

Introduction Autoimmune hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by an autoimmune disorder. An autoimmune disorder is one in which a person's immune system attacks his or her own body for unknown reasons. What is going on in the body? The exact reason for autoimmune disorders is not known. In autoimmune hepatitis, the immune system attacks the liver and, sometimes, other parts of the body. The degree of liver inflammation can range from mild to deadly. What are the causes and risks of the condition? The cause of autoimmune hepatitis is unknown. It may be an isolated condition or may occur as part of another autoimmune disorder, such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Autoimmune hepatitis most often occurs in women between the ages of 15 and 40. While the condition is seen in men, it is eight times more common in women. New research findings suggest that autoimmune disorders may be triggered by a transfer of cells between the fetus and the moth...

Introduction Iron deficiency anemia is a low red blood cell count or hemoglobin level caused by too little iron in the body. Hemoglobin is a molecule in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to cells throughout the body. What is going on in the body? Though anemia has many causes, iron deficiency is the most common. Iron is a very important part of the hemoglobin molecule. When the body does not have enough iron stored, too little hemoglobin is made to fill the red blood cells. The size and number of red blood cells decreases. This cuts down on the body's ability to carry oxygen to the tissues. What are the causes and risks of the condition? Iron deficiency anemia occurs when iron intake cannot keep pace with iron loss. This can be due to: blood loss, such as gastrointestinal bleeding or heavy menstrual bleeding decreased ability to absorb iron from the diet, which can occur with bowel disorders growth spurts, which increase the body's need for...